Hiking in Jackson Hole, WY

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About Jackson Hole Hiking

Don't be intimidated by its daunting name: Death Canyon is a gem of Grand Teton National Park. This canyon hike (which is a great starting point for a multi-day backpacking trip) dishes scenery galore and abundant wildflowers if you hit it just right in mid-summer. Take the Death Canyon Road off of the Moose-Wilson Road and park at the trailhead. Then, head up the trail for 1.2 miles for stunning view of Phelps Lake from the overlook. Stop there or keep on going to a variety of destinations, including Static Peak and even the Teton Crest Trail. Another popular hiking option is to head out to Goodwin Lake in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. This six-mile round-trip leads hikers to the lake, which sits just beneath Jackson Peak. An added bonus for those who like to hike with their pets: Dogs are welcome on this trail (they are not allowed on trails in the national parks).

It's not an official trail, but enough people come up this steep, wildlife-rich canyon between Death Canyon and Cascade Canyon to keep the trail in decent shape. But avalanches in 2014 have made about 1 mile of the trail quite horrible, it's covered with downed trees.

10,351-foot Taylor Mountain is a great bang for your hiking (or skiing) buck: offering expansive 360-degree views, and a feeling of being out there while never being further than several hours from a major highway.

A hike that will make you forget the Tetons, this takes you deep into the Gros Ventre range on well-established trails used mostly by area outfitters. Expect to see few people, lots of wildflowers, evidence of a HUGE landslide that happened in 2012 or 2013, some horseback riders, and lots of snow capped peaks, albeit not as jagged as the Tetons.

This trail is somewhat difficult to access, but if you can find it (and stay on it), you'll be treated to one of the best hikes in the Jackson Hole area: wildflowers aplenty and great views of the Tetons.